Cooking apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cooking apparatus is provided which includes a base and a closure member. The base includes insulating material which at least partially defines a combustion chamber for holding a combustible material for providing heat in use. The closure member is arranged to be seated on the base and at least partially defines a cooking chamber heated by the combustible material. The base typically includes an upper section and a lower section with an air inlet defined between the sections to allow air flow into the combustion chamber. The apparatus includes a body portion which includes an elongate air inlet for feeding air to the combustion chamber in use, the inlet being defined between the upper and lower sections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

THIS INVENTION relates to cooking apparatus. It also relates to a basefor cooking apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various different types of outdoor cooking apparatus including a baseand a dome are well known. The base and the dome define a hemisphericalbody including a cooking chamber in which a combustible material, e.g.charcoal briquettes or the like, provide heat to cook food in a barbecuefashion. A typical example of such apparatus is a Weber™ kettle barbecuewhich has a metal base and dome. In use, the metal of the dome and baseheats up resulting in reduced efficiency and hindering portability ofthe apparatus in use. For the purposes of this specification apparatusin the form of a so-called “kettle barbecue” should be predominantly,but not exclusively, borne in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided cooking apparatus whichincludes

-   -   a base including insulating material which at least partially        defines a combustion chamber for holding a combustible material        for providing heat in use; and    -   a closure member arranged to be seated on the base, the closure        member at least partially defining a cooking chamber heated by        the combustible material.

Typically, the base includes an upper section and a lower section withan air inlet defined between the sections to allow air flow into thecombustion chamber.

Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided cookingapparatus which includes a body portion including

-   -   a base including an upper section and a lower section, the upper        section defining a combustion chamber for holding a combustible        material for providing heat in use, and the lower section being        attached to the upper section;    -   an elongate air inlet for feeding air to the combustion chamber        in use, the inlet being defined between the upper and lower        sections; and    -   a closure member arranged to be seated on the base, the closure        member at least partially defining a cooking chamber heated by        the combustible material.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there is providedcooking apparatus which includes a body portion including

-   -   a base which defines a combustion chamber for holding a        combustible material for providing heat in use; and    -   a closure member arranged to be seated on the base, the closure        member at least partially defining a cooking chamber heated by        the combustible material and including an inner surface which        enhances reflection of heat.

The reflective surface is typically defined by a natural inner metalsurface of the closure member and, accordingly, the inner surface of theclosure member is preferably not painted or provided with a finish whichreduces reflection of heat.

The base typically includes insulating material which at least partiallydefines the combustion chamber for holding the combustible material toprovide heat in use. The combustion chamber may include holding meansfor holding the combustible material. Typically, the holding means is inthe form of a metal dish which is seated in a bottom opening of theinsulating material. The dish may be circular in outline and include alower circular ring section in which a plurality of apertures aredefined. In use, the air from the air inlet passes through the aperturesto allow combustion of the combustible material.

The base typically includes a frame within which the insulating materialis mounted and which forms part of the upper section. Preferably, theframe is a hollow circular cylindrical frame and, accordingly, the lowersection may be circular in lateral section and attached to anoperatively lower end of the frame. The air inlet port may thus becircular in outline.

The lower section may be shaped and dimensioned so as at least partiallyto define an air reservoir below the combustion chamber. Typically, thelower section of the base includes a lower frame, e.g. a pressed metalframe, and insulating material for insulating the lower section fromheat radiating from the holding means. The air reservoir may be definedbetween the insulating material in the lower and upper sections and theholding means. In a preferred embodiment, the lower section includes aglass fibre mat provided on an upper surface of the insulating materialin the lower section. Accordingly, the combustion chamber may be agenerally insulated chamber with an open upper end from which heatradiates into the cooking chamber.

The upper section of the base may include a heat reflective insert whichdefines a seat in which the holding means is seated and which alsodefines a wall of the combustion chamber. The insulating material may beshaped and dimensioned to receive the reflective insert and insulate thereflective insert from the frame. The reflective insert is typicallypressed and its upper rim defines a seat for the closure member. Theclosure member is typically in the form of a dome, e.g. a pressedanodised aluminium dome which is about 1 mm thick, and which includes aplurality of ventilation apertures and a handle. In certain embodiments,the dome is metallic powder coated on its exterior.

The insulating material is typically glass fibre wool, ceramic wool, aperlite ceramic mix, a vermiculite cement mix, or the like.

The cooking apparatus may include a metal grille or grid which islocated in use between the combustion chamber and the cooking chamber.Typically, the grille is in the form of a stainless steel disc which iscircular in outline and includes a substantial number of apertures orbores. The grille is dimensioned so that it may be seated on thereflective insert and the bores are arranged in rings or groups atincreasing radii. In certain embodiments, a plurality of grooves,typically three grooves arranged in a star, are provided.Advantageously, the bores have a diameter of about 5 mm thereby toinhibit any flame arising in the combustion chamber from entering thecooking chamber.

The invention extends to a base for cooking apparatus as hereinbeforedescribed.

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to theaccompanying diagrammatic drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of cooking apparatus in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of components of a base of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a closure member of the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of holding means for holding a combustiblematerial in a combustion chamber of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the holding means taken at V—V inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of a grille or platform of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the grille taken at VII—VII inFIG. 6 with certain detail omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional view from the top of a frame of thebase of the apparatus; and

FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view from the bottom of the frame ofFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicatescooking apparatus in accordance with the invention. The apparatus 10 isin the form of a so-called “kettle barbecue” and is typically used in anoutdoor environment to cook food. The apparatus 10 includes adome-shaped closure member or lid 12, a base 14, and a grille 16 whichseparates a combustion chamber 18 and a cooking chamber 20. As describedin more detail below, a combustible material, typically charcoalbriquettes or the like, is located in the base 14 to provide heat whichrises into the cooking chamber 20 thereby to cook food located on thegrille 16.

The base 14 includes an outer sleeve or frame 22 (see FIGS. 1, 7 and 8)which is typically of an ABS plastics material of about 2.5 mm inthickness. The frame 22 is hollow circular cylindrical and forms part ofan upper section 24 of the base 14. It is however to be appreciated thatthe base may be of any shape. The base 14 further includes a heatreflective insert 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) which is generally cylindricalin outline with a tapering diameter and provides a seat in which holdingmeans in the form of a dish 28 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5) is seated. Thedish 28 is typically of stainless steel with a diameter 30 (see FIG. 2)of about 170 mm and a depth 32 of about 35 mm.

In order to enhance heat retention within the combustion chamber 18 andinhibit heating of the frame 22, insulating material 34 is provided. Theinsulating material 34 is typically glass fibre wool, ceramic wool, aperlite cement mix, vermiculite cement mix, or the like and, in top planview, is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a seat for theinsert 26. The insulating material 34 is shaped and dimensioned so as todefine an air reservoir 36 from which air may be drawn into thecombustion chamber 18 as generally indicated by arrows 38. Accordingly,the dish 28 includes side walls 40 integrally formed with a bottom orbase 42 via a circular ring 44 (see FIG. 4) with circumferentiallyspaced bores or apertures 46 (only a few of which are referenced in thedrawings for clarity) to allow air flow as indicated by arrows 38.

The base 14 further includes a lower section 48 which is typicallypressed from aluminium and of a slightly lesser diameter than the uppersection 24. The lower section 48 includes a circular disc 50 ofinsulating material to insulate its lower frame 52 from heat radiatedfrom the dish 28. Further, the lower section 48 includes a glass fibrefilm 54 to enhance the insulation. In other embodiments, the base 14 isof ABS plastics material.

The lower section 48 includes three equally angularly spaced mountingbrackets 56 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) for mounting thelower section 48 to the upper section 24. The lower section 48 ismounted to the upper section 24 in such a fashion so as to define anannular air inlet 58 which allows air to be drawn into the combustionchamber 18 via the air reservoir 36 and through the bores 46. The airinlet 58 is in the form of a ring which extends about the upper andlower sections 24, 48 to allow a more uniform intake of air. As the airinlet 58 is elongate in nature and extends in the form of a ring it isbelieved that the effect of ambient wind on combustion in the combustionchamber 18 is at least partially reduced. Each mounting bracket 56 ispop-riveted (not shown) to the frame 22 through apertures 57 (see FIGS.1, 8 and 9).

The closure member or lid 12 is pressed from aluminium and has a naturalinternal reflective surface 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) which enhances thereflection of heat towards food located on the grille 16. Accordingly,the internal reflective surface 60 is not painted black or a dark colourwhich retards reflection. However, in certain embodiments, the lid 12may include a coating which enhances reflection. Likewise, the insert 26has a reflective surface 62 to enhance the reflection of heat towardsthe grille 16 and thus towards the cooking chamber 20.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the grille 16is disclike in shape and of stainless steel which is about 1 to about1.5 mm thick. In a further embodiment, the grille 16 has three pressedfeet which are spaced circumferentially equidistant. In use, the feetare seated on the insert 26. It is believed that in the event of thegrille 16 buckling or warping due to heat, the grille 16 may rest in astable fashion on the insert 26 by means of the feet.

The grille 16 has a diameter 64 of about 290 mm and a circumferentialgroove 66 with a diameter 68 of about 275 mm. Further, the grille 16 hasa solid central portion 70 about which a substantial number of holes orbores 72 are formed. The bores 72 are arranged in an equally spacedfashion on circles of increasing radii. The bores 72 have a diameter ofabout 5 mm so that any flame occurring in the combustion chamber 18 isinhibited from entering the cooking chamber 20. A circle of bores 74having a larger diameter is provided about a periphery of the grille 16.The grille 16 has recesses or grooves 76 which extend outwardly from thecentral portion 70 in a starlike fashion. In use, the bores 74 provideincreased ventilation between the combustion chamber 18 and the cookingchamber 20 and the grooves 76 enhance the rigidity of the grille 16.

The closure member or lid 12 includes a handle 78 to facilitate removalthereof from the base 14. The lid 12 is typically anodized aluminium ofabout 1 mm in thickness and three ventilation holes (not shown) areprovided about the handle 78. In other embodiments, the exterior of thelid 12 is metallic powder coated. The ventilation holes are typicallyabout 15 mm in diameter and the handle 78 is typically of a suitableplastics material capable of withstanding high temperatures. Asmentioned above, the lid 12 has an internal reflective surface 60 toreflect heat towards the grille 16. A lower peripheral edge 80 includesan upturned lip to facilitate seating of the lid 12 on the reflectiveinsert 26 (see FIG. 1).

In order to retain the insert 26 in its seated position within theinsulating material 34, pop-rivets 82 are provided (see FIG. 1). Inparticular, the base 14 includes a plastics ring 84 which is siliconedto the frame 22 and checks removal of the insert 26 as a result of thepop-rivets 82. In other embodiments, the pop-rivets 82 are omitted andthe insert is retained in its seated position by means of a hightemperature silicone adhesive.

It is believed that the invention, as illustrated, provides an enhancedcooking apparatus 10 for barbecuing. In particular, the insulatingmaterial 34 reduces the amount of heat lost from the combustion chamber18 to the frame 22 thereby increasing the quantum of heat fed through tothe cooking chamber 20. Further, as the frame 22 in insulated from thecombustion chamber 18, it remains relatively cool during the cookingoperation and, accordingly, the cooking apparatus 10 may be lifted ortransported by user with relative ease.

It is further believed that the grille 16 which separates the cookingchamber 20 from the combustion chamber 18 enhances the operatingcharacteristics of the apparatus 10. In particular, the bores 72 inhibitany flames which may be generated in the combustion chamber 18 fromentering the cooking chamber 20 and, accordingly, the likelihood of thefood being burnt by the flames is therefore reduced. Further, as theinlet 58 extends about the periphery of the base 14, it is believed thatthe flow of air into the cooking chamber 18 is less sensitive to ambientwind than in the case where a few large apertures in the base areprovided as in conventional barbecue cooking apparatus. In addition, theinternal reflective surface 60 of the lid 12 enhances cooking as heat isreflected towards food placed on the grille 16.

1. A cooking apparatus including: a base with an interior combustionchamber therein, the combustion chamber having an inner side wall and anouter side wall spaced from one another to define an insulating zonecontaining insulating material, the combustion chamber including a dishfor combustible material concentrically arranged within the combustionchamber and having side walls which are inwardly spaced from the innerside wall of the combustion chamber so that an upwardly directed openannular trough is defined between the side walls of the dish and theinner side wall of the combustion chamber; and wherein the base furtherincludes an upper section and a lower section with an annular air inletdefined between the upper and lower sections to allow air flow into thecombustion chamber, the upper section and lower section being spacedfrom one another, wherein a portion of the insulating material in theinsulating zone and the lower section of the base defines an airreservoir in fluid communication with the air inlet.
 2. The cookingapparatus according to claim 1, including a closure member arranged tobe seated on the base, the closure member at least partially defining acooking chamber heated by the combustible material and including aninner reflective surface which enhances reflection of heat.
 3. Thecooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the base includesinsulating material within an interior of the lower section, wherein theinsulating material in both the insulation zone and the lower section ofthe base insulates the upper and lower sections against heat radiatingfrom the combustible material in the dish.
 4. The cooking apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, in which the reflective surface is defined by aninner metal surface of the closure member.
 5. The cooking apparatus asclaimed in claim 4, in which the insulating material in the base atleast partially defines the combustion chamber for holding thecombustible material.
 6. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 5, inwhich the dish holds the combustible material.
 7. The cooking apparatusas claimed in claim 6, in which the dish is made from metal and which isseated in a bottom opening of the insulating material in the uppersection of the base.
 8. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 7, inwhich the dish is circular in outline and includes a lower circular ringsection in which a plurality of apertures is defined.
 9. The cookingapparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which said outer side wall defines aframe within which insulating material is mounted and which forms partof the upper section of the base.
 10. The cooking apparatus as claimedin claim 9, in which the frame is a hollow circular cylindrical shapedand the lower section is circular in lateral section and attached to anoperatively lower end of the frame.
 11. The cooking apparatus as claimedin claim 10, in which the lower section is shaped and dimensioned so asat least partially to define the air reservoir below the combustionchamber.
 12. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which thelower section of the base includes a lower frame having insulatingmaterial for insulating the lower section from heat radiating from thedish.
 13. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the airreservoir is defined between the insulating material in the lower andupper sections and the dish.
 14. The cooking apparatus as claimed inclaim 13, in which the lower section includes a glass fibre mat providedon an upper surface of the insulating material in the lower section. 15.The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which the upper sectionof the base includes a heat reflective insert which defines a seat inwhich the dish is seated and which also defines a wall of the combustionchamber.
 16. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which theinsulating material is shaped and dimensioned to receive the reflectiveinsert and insulate the reflective insert from the frame.
 17. Thecooking apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the closure member isin the form of a dome and includes a plurality of ventilation aperturesand a handle.
 18. The cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 17, whichincludes a metal grille or grid which is located in use between thecombustion chamber and the cooking chamber.
 19. The cooking apparatus asclaimed in claim 18, in which the grille is in the form of a stainlesssteel disc which is circular in outline and includes a substantialnumber of apertures or bores.
 20. The cooking apparatus as claimed inclaim 19, in which the grille is dimensioned so that it may be seated onthe reflective insert and the bores are arranged in rings or groupshaving increasing radii.